21st Birthday Party Themes, Games and Decorations

The 21st birthday is one of the most important birthdays of a person's life. If you're planning a birthday party for someone that's turning 21, choosing the right theme, games and decor will help ensure that the party is a success. These 21st birthday party ideas should work for almost young man or woman reaching this critical turning point in life.

Themes

A 21st birthday party is more fun and easier to plan if it's on a theme. Great 21st birthday party themes for men include sports such as football, soccer, baseball, as well as a western theme, a car theme and a Hollywood theme. Ideas for party themes for women turning 21 include flower, dress-up and movie themes. If the guests will all be girls, a tea party theme would be fun, also. Birthday party themes that work for both men and women include color themes and a Las Vegas theme. For the color theme, select the birthday boy or girl's favorite color, high school or college colors for the party decorations and favors. To set up the Vegas party theme, set up gambling tables with professional dealers and chips and use party decorations and favors such as large playing cards, pretend money and dice.

Games

Ice breaker, traditional and board games are perfect for 21st birthday parties. Games like truth or dare, scavenger hunts, Bingo, Charades and Pictionary can help the party guests to loosen up and relax. Funny games are also a good choice. Mad Libs is a hilarious game that's sure to get people laughing. You can either buy a book of Mad Libs or download free printable Mad Libs online. Twister is another game that gets partygoers relaxed and laughing. When selecting a board game for a 21st birthday party, choose something like Trivial Pursuit, Apples to Apples, Dirty Minds, Cranium or Loaded Questions that gets the party guests thinking, laughing and interacting.

Decorations

The decorations for a 21st birthday party should match the theme whenever possible. Of course, balloons are a necessity. Be sure to include some Mylar balloons with the number 21 printed on them. If you choose to use paper plates and napkins and plastic cutlery and cups, you can get party supplies printed with "Happy 21st Birthday." Also look for 21st birthday banners and garlands as well. You can also purchase a 21st birthday party centerpiece or make one yourself. If you want to make an easy homemade centerpiece, have some balloons filled with helium and attach them with ribbon to a central weight. For a more elaborate centerpiece, get a large margarita glass, champagne glass, martini glass or beer mug and fill it with candy, ribbons, glass bead, flowers or anything else that's attractive or fun.

For more ideas, read 21st Birthday Party Ideas: Invitations, Cakes and Drinks.